Public health campaigns and their impact on smoking rates have been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to global health initiatives. Based on past exam trends and the current emphasis on public health, we can expect this subject to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that aligns closely with real IELTS exam questions:
Some people believe that public health campaigns focusing on the dangers of smoking have been effective in reducing smoking rates. Others argue that these campaigns have had little impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the effectiveness of anti-smoking public health campaigns
- Consider both sides of the argument
- Provide their personal opinion
The key challenge lies in presenting balanced arguments while clearly stating your own stance.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Public health campaigns aimed at highlighting the perils of smoking have been a cornerstone of many governments’ strategies to reduce tobacco use. While some argue that these initiatives have significantly lowered smoking rates, others contend that their impact has been minimal. In my opinion, these campaigns have indeed been effective, albeit as part of a broader approach to tobacco control.
Proponents of anti-smoking campaigns point to the dramatic decrease in smoking prevalence in many countries over the past few decades. They argue that graphic warnings on cigarette packets, hard-hitting television advertisements, and educational programs in schools have raised awareness about the health risks associated with smoking, leading many to quit or never start. For instance, in Australia, where such campaigns have been particularly aggressive, smoking rates have fallen from 35% in 1980 to around 11% in 2019.
However, critics argue that the impact of these campaigns has been overstated. They contend that other factors, such as increased tobacco taxes and smoking bans in public places, have played a more significant role in reducing smoking rates. Furthermore, they point out that despite years of campaigning, a substantial portion of the population continues to smoke, suggesting that these messages are not as effective as claimed.
In my view, while it’s true that public health campaigns alone may not be sufficient to eradicate smoking, they play a crucial role in a multi-faceted approach to tobacco control. These campaigns serve to educate the public, change social norms, and create an environment supportive of smoking cessation. When combined with other measures like taxation and legislation, they form a comprehensive strategy that has demonstrably reduced smoking rates in many countries.
Moreover, the long-term nature of these campaigns ensures that new generations are consistently exposed to anti-smoking messages, helping to prevent uptake among young people. This sustained effort is essential in combating the tobacco industry’s ongoing marketing tactics.
In conclusion, while the effectiveness of anti-smoking public health campaigns may be debated, I believe they have played a significant role in reducing smoking rates. Their impact should be viewed as part of a broader tobacco control strategy, rather than in isolation. As smoking remains a major public health concern, these campaigns should continue to evolve and adapt to maximize their effectiveness in the future.
(Word count: 378)
Band 6-7 Essay
Public health campaigns about smoking dangers have been used by many governments to try to reduce smoking. Some people think these campaigns have worked well, while others believe they haven’t had much effect. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, anti-smoking campaigns have helped to lower smoking rates in many countries. These campaigns use TV ads, posters, and warnings on cigarette packs to show the bad effects of smoking. They teach people about health problems like lung cancer and heart disease caused by smoking. This information has made many people quit smoking or never start. For example, in my country, I’ve seen fewer people smoking in public places than before.
On the other hand, some argue that these campaigns haven’t been very effective. They say that people still smoke despite knowing the risks. Addiction to nicotine is very strong, and some smokers ignore the warnings. Also, tobacco companies still advertise their products, which can cancel out the health campaign messages. Some people think that higher taxes on cigarettes and bans on smoking in public have done more to reduce smoking than health campaigns.
In my opinion, I think anti-smoking campaigns have been mostly effective, but they work best when used with other methods. While it’s true that some people still smoke, the overall number of smokers has gone down in many places. These campaigns are especially important for young people, who might be less likely to start smoking if they know the dangers.
To conclude, although anti-smoking campaigns might not work perfectly, I believe they have helped to reduce smoking rates. They are an important part of the effort to improve public health, especially when combined with other strategies like higher taxes and smoking bans.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay
Smoking is a big problem in many countries. Governments use public health campaigns to try to stop people from smoking. Some people think these campaigns work well, but others don’t agree. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Some people say that anti-smoking campaigns are good. These campaigns show people the bad things that happen when you smoke. They use pictures on cigarette boxes and TV ads to show how smoking can make you sick. Many people learn about lung cancer and other health problems from these campaigns. Because of this, some people stop smoking or never start.
But other people think these campaigns don’t work very well. They say that many people still smoke even though they know it’s bad for them. Cigarettes are addictive, so it’s hard for people to stop. Also, cigarette companies still make ads that make smoking look cool. Some people think that making cigarettes more expensive works better than health campaigns.
I think that anti-smoking campaigns are helpful but not perfect. They teach people about the dangers of smoking, which is important. But I agree that they might not be enough on their own to stop everyone from smoking. I think governments should use these campaigns along with other ways to help people quit smoking.
In conclusion, I believe anti-smoking campaigns do help to reduce smoking, but they need to be used with other methods too. It’s important to keep trying to stop people from smoking to make everyone healthier.
(Word count: 248)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the task requirements:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a competent command of the language despite some inaccuracies:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and uses a range of cohesive devices, although there may be some under/over-use.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a modest ability to use English effectively:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures with some accuracy in simple sentences, but errors may occur in more complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Public health campaign (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk helθ kæmˈpeɪn/ – An organized effort to promote health or prevent disease
- Prevalence (noun) – /ˈprevələns/ – The fact or condition of being widespread or common
- Cessation (noun) – /seˈseɪʃən/ – The act of ending or stopping something
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Eradicate (verb) – /ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/ – To completely get rid of something
- Comprehensive (adjective) – /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Sustained (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnd/ – Continuing for an extended period or without interruption
- Uptake (noun) – /ˈʌpteɪk/ – The action of taking up or making use of something that is available
- Contend (verb) – /kənˈtend/ – To assert something as a position in an argument
- Aggressive (adjective) – /əˈɡresɪv/ – Pursuing one’s aims and interests forcefully, sometimes unduly so
In conclusion, the impact of public health campaigns on smoking rates remains a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- How effective are government health campaigns in changing people’s behavior?
- Should governments invest more in public health education or in medical treatments?
- To what extent can public awareness campaigns solve environmental problems?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.